Disaster aid, advice just a tap away with mobile apps

By Judy Hildner
Special to the Chieftain

Published: April 17, 2014;Last modified: April 17, 2014 08:45AM

Got apps?

The American Red Cross in Colorado might be celebrating its 100th year of service this year, but the organization is as modern as anything else today. It has a presence on Facebook and Twitter and a suite of 10 mobile apps that means help is as near as a smart phone.

The apps not only make expert and practical advice readily available but also provide emergency help during disasters such as last summer’s wildfires and flooding. Disaster information is updated constantly through the Red Cross database, offering up-to-the-minute details.

Bill Fortune of Pueblo West, communication specialist for the Red Cross, said the apps were invaluable on a recent assignment.

”I used the shelter locator function when I was deployed to the mudslide in Washington state,” Fortune said.

The slide cut off two small communities and Fortune and his partner were forced to navigate between the two, using the shelter app with its accompanying maps to find their way.

“One of the biggest problems during a disaster is communication,” Fortune said. “The apps can provide timely information about help available through the Red Cross.”

Fortune also said his Washington partner, who lives in Southern California, received alerts via the earthquake app about the recent earthquake that happened about 12 miles from his home.

“He was able to call and check on his family,” Fortune said. “And the tornado app, I use that all the time. It’s good for any kind of severe weather. I have it running all the time.”

Perhaps even more helpful, there is a wealth of information on preparedness — a strong focus of the organization.

The Wildfire app provides the latest state-by-state updates and provides information on how a family can take care of their home and pets.

People in a danger area can also communicate with family members even if the power is out — a must-have for anyone living in an area that is susceptible to wildfires or has loved ones who do.

Another key feature on all of the apps is the “thumbs up” feature. Clicking on the symbol allows someone to send a short status message on social media. Preset messages like “I’m okay” can let family and friends know someone’s status in seconds.

“I would say above all, download the apps and then learn how to use them,” Fortune said. “Don’t wait for an emergency, become familiar with them before something happens so that you make sure you are getting the information you need.”

In addition to the disaster apps, the swimming and first aid apps offer a wealth of information. Parents can help their child become a confident swimmer. Users can brush up on water safety knowledge, play parent-child games together and track a child’s progress in the class.

Fortune said he recently used the first aid app to seek information about a scalding burn.

Apps can be downloaded directly from the Red Cross website or from the Apple, Google Play or Amazon Marketplace app stores.

Judy Hildner is a Red Cross volunteer and a former Chieftain sports editor.

April 13-19 is Colorado Severe Weather Awareness Week. April is America’s Prepareathon month and April 30 is a “day of action” for people to commit to doing one thing that would make them better prepared.